Exploring the Parks of Columbus, Ohio

1. Battelle Riverfront Park

Comprised of pathways, boardwalks, and small parks along the Scioto River, the Battelle Riverfront Park sits in downtown Columbus. The most notable of its attractions: the replica of the Santa Maria ship that Columbus sailed in 1492 when he first discovered the Americas.

Tours of the ship reenact tales of their journey across the Atlantic to where they finally landed in the Caribbean. The pathway begins at Bicentennial Park and heads northbound to the North Bank Park. Along the way, the trail takes walkers through a series of parks. It also runs near the Civic Center Drive with a collection of 50 state flags.

Battelle Riverfront Park, 25 Marconi Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio, Phone: 614-645-2489

2. Bicentennial Park

The John W. Galbreath Bicentennial Park consists of a 4.66-acre grounds in downtown Columbus. This popular gathering area has a huge fountain park for people to play and cool off in during the summer months. A large promenade links the Battelle Riverfront Park with the Bicentennial Park.

Walking along the stone pathway, visitors can find playgrounds, gardens, benches, and chess boards. The park also houses an enormous, $5 million permanent stage and pavilion that hosts outdoor live music and events. Named after John W. Galbreath, the park honors the Ohio philanthropist, builder, Kentucky Derby breeder, and owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1945-1985.

Bicentennial Park , 233 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio, Phone: 614-645-7995

3. Chestnut Ridge Park

Those who love the great outdoors can explore Ohio’s picturesque Appalachians all year long at Chestnut Ridge Park. Located on Winchester Road in Carroll Ohio, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park consists of a ridge that soars up to 1,116 feet and stretches over 486 acres. The park stays open all year round from 6:30 AM to dark allowing visitors to capture the outdoor beauty offered by each season, from wintery white days to the reds and yellows of the fall. During the spring and summer months, a canopy of trees shades hikers as they explore the woodlands.

Chestnut Ridge Park, 8445 Winchester Road Northwest, Carroll, OH, Phone: 614-208-4298

4. Columbus Park of Roses

Floral aromas sail through the air in the Columbus Park of Roses. Guests can come to relax (for free) and take in the beauty of manicured gardens showcasing over 400 varieties of roses. During the spring season, flowering trees and shrubs begin to blossom along with other springtime blooms like hellebores, daffodils, and tulips. In late May, the roses flourish with a display of over 12,000 flowers. The rose blossoms peak in late summer between June to August, but visitors can also enjoy colorful perennial and herb gardens. Rose hips in the winter are accented by wintery frosts and white snowfall.

Columbus Park of Roses, 3901 North High Street, Columbus, OH, Phone: 614-645-3300

5. Franklin Park Conservatory

Nature flourishes in all colors of the rainbow at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Rotating exhibitions showcase floral species as well as art collections. The gift shop contains floral inspired gifts and decor.

The conservatory also hosts events and courses for all ages among the gardens. Past events have included Irish dance performances, Tai Chi, leaf casting workshops, nature classes, yoga, and cocktail parties. The conservatory often hosts culinary classes with frequent children’s cooking classes for “tiny chefs”. Those who live close by can become a member and enjoy monthly subscriptions and discounted entry to all of the various hosted activities.

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus OH, Phone: 614-715-8000